15 Elegant Herringbone Tile Bathroom Ideas with Luxury Touches
Let me guess – you’re standing in your bathroom right now, looking at those boring straight-laid tiles and thinking “there’s gotta be something better than this.”
Well, you’re absolutely right! I’ve been obsessed with herringbone patterns ever since I botched my first DIY bathroom renovation (yeah, laying tiles at a 45-degree angle is harder than YouTube makes it look).
But when you get it right? Chef’s kiss
Here’s the thing about herringbone tiles: they transform any bathroom from “meh” to “wow” faster than you can say “grout lines.”
Whether you’re planning a complete gut renovation or just dreaming about possibilities, I’ve got 15 killer herringbone ideas that’ll make your Pinterest board jealous.
Classic White Herringbone Shower Wall

Nothing beats the timeless appeal of white herringbone tiles on a shower wall. I installed these in my master bathroom last year, and honestly? Best decision ever. The pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the space, and white tiles make even the tiniest shower feel like a spa retreat.
What makes this option so brilliant is its versatility. You can pair white herringbone with literally any color scheme – from bold black fixtures to soft gold hardware. The zigzag pattern creates movement and depth that straight tiles simply can’t match. Plus, white tiles reflect light beautifully, making your morning shower feel less like a cave and more like a luxury hotel experience.
Making It Work in Your Space
Here’s what I learned the hard way:
- Tile size matters – smaller tiles (2×4 inches) create a more intricate pattern
- Grout color makes a huge difference – white grout keeps it subtle, grey adds definition
- Lighting placement can enhance the pattern’s shadow play
The best part? White herringbone never goes out of style. Ten years from now, you won’t look at your shower and think “what was I thinking?” Trust me on this one.
Dark Grey Herringbone Floor Tiles

Want to make a statement without saying a word? Dark grey herringbone floor tiles are your answer. I’ve seen these transform bland bathrooms into moody, sophisticated spaces that feel like they belong in a design magazine.
Grey floors hide dirt and water spots like a champ (perfect if you’re as lazy about daily cleaning as I am). The herringbone pattern adds enough visual interest that you don’t need fancy rugs or bath mats cluttering up the space. Plus, dark grey grounds the room and makes white fixtures pop like nobody’s business.
Why Dark Grey Works
The magic happens because:
- Contrast creates drama – white walls against dark floors = instant sophistication
- Pattern disguises imperfections – slight unevenness in old floors? Herringbone’s got your back
- Maintenance is minimal – dark grout means less visible grime
Pro tip: go for matte finish tiles if you’re worried about slipping. Glossy looks gorgeous in photos but can turn your bathroom into an ice rink when wet.
Marble Herringbone Accent Wall

Oh boy, if you want to feel fancy every single day, install a marble herringbone accent wall. I did this behind my vanity, and now brushing my teeth feels like a luxury experience. Is that weird? Maybe. Do I care? Absolutely not.
Marble brings natural veining that makes each tile unique – no two patterns look exactly the same. When you arrange them in a herringbone pattern, the veining creates this amazing flow that draws your eye across the wall. It’s like having artwork that also happens to be waterproof.
Choosing Your Marble
Consider these factors:
- Carrara marble – classic white with grey veining, budget-friendly(ish)
- Calacatta marble – bolder veining, pricier but stunning
- Statuario marble – dramatic veining, prepare to empty your wallet
FYI, you don’t need to tile the entire bathroom in marble. One accent wall creates enough impact without requiring a second mortgage.
Also Read: 15 Creative Grey Tile Bathroom Ideas for Stylish Homes
Blue Herringbone Tile Vanity Backsplash

Here’s where things get fun! A blue herringbone backsplash behind your vanity adds personality without overwhelming the space. I went with a deep navy blue in my guest bathroom, and visitors always comment on it.
Blue tiles work especially well in bathrooms because they complement water themes naturally. Whether you choose sky blue, navy, or teal, the herringbone pattern prevents the color from feeling flat or boring. It’s like giving your vanity area its own little spotlight.
Making Blue Work for You
Key considerations:
- Shade selection – lighter blues open up small spaces, darker blues add drama
- Finish options – glossy reflects light, matte feels more modern
- Grout color – white grout makes blue pop, matching grout creates seamless flow
The herringbone pattern breaks up the color just enough to prevent blue overload. You get impact without commitment to an entirely blue bathroom.
Subway Tile in Herringbone Pattern

Who says subway tiles have to be boring? Arranging classic subway tiles in a herringbone pattern gives you the best of both worlds – timeless appeal with a modern twist. I love this option because it feels fresh but not trendy.
Standard 3×6 inch subway tiles work perfectly for herringbone layouts. You get that familiar rectangular shape everyone loves, but the angled installation adds unexpected interest. It’s like wearing a classic white shirt with funky accessories – familiar but fun.
Installation Tips
What I wish I’d known:
- Planning is crucial – map out your pattern before starting
- Corner cuts get tricky – budget extra tiles for mistakes
- Spacing matters – consistent grout lines make or break the look
The beauty of subway tile herringbone? It works everywhere – shower walls, floors, backsplashes. You can’t really go wrong.
Black Herringbone Shower Niche

Want to create a focal point that’s both functional and fabulous? A black herringbone shower niche delivers drama in the best way possible. I installed one in my recent renovation, and it’s become the star of the shower 🙂
Black tiles in a niche create depth and make your shampoo bottles look like they’re displayed in a high-end boutique. The herringbone pattern prevents the black from feeling like a dark hole in your wall. Instead, it becomes an intentional design element that catches light at different angles.
Design Considerations
Think about:
- Size of the niche – larger niches showcase the pattern better
- Lighting options – LED strips make black tiles sparkle
- Contrast levels – black niches pop against white or light walls
This works especially well if you’re going for that modern, slightly edgy bathroom vibe. It’s bold without being overwhelming.
Also Read: 15 Unique Zellige Tile Bathroom Ideas and Stylish Inspirations
Glossy Green Herringbone Feature Wall

Ready to embrace color? A glossy green herringbone feature wall makes a statement that’s both bold and surprisingly soothing. Green tiles remind me of nature, and the glossy finish reflects light beautifully throughout the day.
I’ve seen emerald green, sage, and even mint work wonderfully in herringbone patterns. The key is choosing a shade that speaks to you – after all, you’ll see it every morning! The pattern keeps even bright greens from feeling overwhelming by breaking up the color field.
Working with Green
Important points:
- Natural light affects color – test samples at different times of day
- Complementary colors – wood tones and brass fixtures love green
- Pattern scale – larger tiles calm busy patterns
Green herringbone walls photograph beautifully, BTW. Your Instagram followers will thank you.
Small Powder Room Herringbone Floor

Think your powder room is too small for pattern? Think again! Herringbone floor tiles can actually make tiny spaces feel larger when done right. I learned this when renovating a 3×5 foot powder room that now feels twice its size.
The diagonal lines of herringbone patterns lead the eye across the space, creating an illusion of width. Small-scale tiles work best in compact rooms – think 1×3 or 2×4 inches max. The pattern adds interest without overwhelming your guests.
Small Space Strategies
Keys to success:
- Light colors expand – white, cream, or light grey work wonders
- Consistent grout color – reduces visual clutter
- Simple walls – let the floor be the star
IMO, powder rooms are perfect for trying bold patterns since you’re not spending hours in there. Go wild!
Neutral Beige Herringbone Tile Design

Sometimes you want elegance without drama, and that’s where neutral beige herringbone tiles shine. I call this the “can’t go wrong” option because beige works with literally every design style from farmhouse to contemporary.
Beige tiles in herringbone create texture through pattern rather than color. The warmth of beige prevents your bathroom from feeling cold or clinical, while the sophisticated pattern keeps it from being boring. It’s like the perfect little black dress of bathroom tiles.
Why Neutrals Win
Benefits include:
- Timeless appeal – won’t date like bold colors might
- Resale value – appeals to broad range of buyers
- Flexibility – change decor without clashing
The herringbone pattern ensures your neutral choice still has personality. No one will accuse your bathroom of being bland.
Also Read: 15 Eye-Catching Penny Tile Bathroom Floor Ideas and Stylish Touches
Large Format Herringbone Tile Bathroom

Who says herringbone only works with small tiles? Large format tiles (think 6×24 inches or bigger) create a modern, bold interpretation of the classic pattern. I was skeptical until I saw it in person – now I’m converted.
Large tiles mean fewer grout lines, which creates a cleaner, more contemporary look. The herringbone pattern still provides visual interest, but in a more subtle, sophisticated way. It’s perfect if you love minimalist design but don’t want stark, boring surfaces.
Going Big
Consider these factors:
- Room size – large tiles work best in spacious bathrooms
- Installation difficulty – bigger tiles = heavier lifting
- Visual impact – pattern reads differently at larger scale
The result feels more architectural than decorative. It’s herringbone for grown-ups, if you will.
Bold Colorful Herringbone Shower Wall

Life’s too short for boring showers! A bold, colorful herringbone shower wall turns your daily routine into a mood-boosting experience. I’m talking bright blues, vibrant greens, or even sunset oranges arranged in that classic zigzag pattern.
Color psychology is real, folks. Bright tiles can energize your mornings better than coffee (okay, maybe not better, but they help). The herringbone pattern prevents solid color from feeling overwhelming by creating movement and rhythm across the wall.
Choosing Your Bold
Tips for going bright:
- Test thoroughly – colors look different when wet
- Balance is key – one colorful wall, neutral everything else
- Quality matters – cheap tiles fade faster
Don’t let anyone tell you colorful bathrooms are “too much.” Your bathroom, your rules!
Minimalist Matte White Herringbone Floor

Sometimes less really is more. Matte white herringbone floors create a serene, spa-like atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless. I installed these in a recent project, and the client literally gasped when she saw the finished room.
Matte finishes hide water spots and footprints better than glossy tiles (practical win!). The white color keeps things bright and airy, while the herringbone pattern adds just enough visual interest to prevent monotony. It’s minimalism with personality.
Achieving Minimalist Perfection
Key elements:
- Thin grout lines – less visual interruption
- Consistent color – white grout with white tiles
- Simple fixtures – let the floor pattern shine
This option proves you don’t need color or shine to create impact. Sometimes subtlety speaks volumes.
Wood-Look Herringbone Tile Bathroom

Want wood floors in your bathroom without the water damage worry? Wood-look tiles in herringbone give you that warm, natural aesthetic with zero maintenance anxiety. I’ve installed these in three bathrooms now, and clients always do a double-take.
Modern wood-look tiles are scary realistic – complete with grain patterns and texture. Arranged in herringbone, they create that classic parquet floor vibe that feels both vintage and fresh. Plus, you can mop to your heart’s content without worrying about warping.
Wood Without Worry
Benefits galore:
- Waterproof – splash away without stress
- Durable – no refinishing needed
- Versatile – works with any design style
The herringbone pattern enhances the wood look by mimicking traditional hardwood installations. Best of both worlds? Absolutely.
Luxury Gold Grout with Herringbone Tiles

Here’s a designer secret: gold grout with herringbone tiles creates instant luxury without replacing your tiles. I discovered this trick accidentally when a client requested metallic grout, and wow – game changer!
Gold grout turns simple white or black herringbone tiles into something special. The metallic shimmer catches light differently throughout the day, creating an ever-changing display. It’s like adding jewelry to your bathroom – that perfect finishing touch that elevates everything.
Going for Gold
Important considerations:
- Tile color matters – white, black, or navy tiles work best
- Grout quality – invest in good metallic grout
- Sealing is crucial – protect that shimmer
This works especially well with modern brass or gold fixtures. Matchy-matchy? Maybe. Gorgeous? Definitely.
Two-Tone Herringbone Wall Design

Can’t decide on one color? Don’t! A two-tone herringbone wall lets you have your cake and eat it too. I recently combined white and grey tiles in a herringbone pattern, and the result looked like expensive designer wallpaper.
Two-tone designs create rhythm and movement that single colors can’t achieve. You can go subtle with cream and beige or bold with black and white. The herringbone pattern naturally creates a woven effect that makes two colors blend beautifully.
Mastering Two-Tone
Pro strategies:
- 50/50 split – equal amounts of each color
- Accent approach – 70/30 ratio for subtle effect
- Pattern planning – map out color placement first
This technique works anywhere – floors, walls, backsplashes. It’s like herringbone pattern on steroids (in the best way).
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – 15 ways to transform your bathroom with herringbone tiles that’ll make you actually enjoy spending time in there.
Whether you go classic with white subway tiles or bold with colorful shower walls, the herringbone pattern adds that special something that straight-laid tiles just can’t deliver.
Remember, the best bathroom design is one that makes YOU happy every single day. Don’t get too caught up in trends or what everyone else is doing.
Pick the herringbone style that speaks to your soul (or at least your morning routine) and go for it.
Ready to start your herringbone journey? Trust me, once you see that beautiful zigzag pattern in your own bathroom, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Your morning shower will thank you, your guests will be impressed, and most importantly, you’ll love your space. Now grab those tile samples and let’s make some bathroom magic happen!
